Two Pats, 66 WHLers named in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings

Regina Pats defencemen Reese Hamilton and Kolten Bridgeman could be taken in the 2025 NHL Draft. (Keith Hershmiller Photography)

Two members of the Regina Pats were named Tuesday in the NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for the 2025 draft.

In all, 66 players from the Western Hockey League (WHL) were on the list, that included two Pats defencemen Reese Hamilton and Kolten Bridgeman.

Hamilton is ranked 74th among North American skaters while Bridgeman is ranked 142.

The Pats acquired Hamilton in a trade with the Calgary Hitmen earlier this season that saw captain Tanner Howe move west. Bridgeman was listed by the Pats in 2021-22 and has now played 94 regular season games with the team.

Pats 2007 born import prospect Vaclav Nestrasil was ranked 42nd among international skaters. Nestrasil has 23 points in 34 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL this season.

Saskatchewan connections

Outside of the Pats, Saskatoon born and current Brandon Wheat Kings forward Roger McQueen is ranked fifth among North American skaters. Moose Jaw Warriors forward Lynden Lakovic is ranked 12th.

Macklin, Sask. product and Victoria Royals forward Cole Reschny is ranked 34th, Saskatoon Blades forward David Lewandowski is ranked 34th, Kelowna Rockets forward and Meadow Lake, Sask. product Dawson Gerwing is ranked 135th, Moose Jaw forward Noah Degenstein is 143rd, Wilcox, Sask. product and Wheat Kings forward Joby Baumuller is 146th, Bethune, Sask.’s Ben Riche is 174th, and Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Connor Schmidt is 206th.

Among international skaters, Moose Jaw Warriors forward Dominik Pavlik is ranked 60th.

For goalies, Prince Albert born and Victoria Royals netminder Jayden Kraus is ranked 11th.

The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place June 27 and 28 in Los Angeles at the Peacock Theatre.